Our Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses are open to international students who do not already meet the English language entry requirement for their Cranfield course and wish to gain an insight into academic life before beginning their postgraduate study.
Working with a team of well qualified and experienced tutors we will help you:
- Improve your English language skills to satisfy our English language entry requirement
- Develop and improve your knowledge and use of academic English
- Prepare for the kinds of assignments you will complete on your postgraduate course
- Develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in your academic studies
- Introduce you to life in the UK and to UK culture.
We offer a Winter programme and Summer programme each year, and both programme offer a 20, 10 and 5 week course. Our Summer programme also offers an additional 3 week course for students who already have an unconditional offer.
The Winter programme has been designed for applicants undertaking research programmes starting in the summer. Applicants for taught Masters courses starting in September/October are strongly advised to apply for the Summer English programme.
We are only able to consider IELTS for UKVI tests where an applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to attend a Pre-sessional EAP course.
Applicants who have not met the standard entry requirements for any of the above courses should contact the Pre-sessional team for further advice and guidance. All applications are considered on their merits on a case by case basis.
Course content and assessment criteria
Course content
- Understanding the process approach to academic writing
- Developing critical thinking skills
- Developing effective reading strategies
- Extending writing and research skills
- Improving English grammar to support clear communication
- Delivering a variety of effective presentations
- Developing academic vocabulary
- Improving listening and speaking skills
- Using online materials to support essential independent learning.
Course Structure
You should be available to attend sessions Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm. You will also be offered weekly tutorials with a personal tutor to support your learning and have the opportunity to participate in lively seminars and debates.
Assessment criteria
You will be assessed throughout the course and it is not usually necessary to take an additional English test at the end. You will only be able to progress to postgraduate study if you successfully complete the course.
Winter programme details
Some of our master's courses have higher English language requirements, and you may be required to attend a longer Pre-sessional EAP course to achieve the required level for entry. We assess each application individually against the course requirements, please check the course page or you offer letter.
20 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 13 January 2020 - Friday, 5 June 2020 (including a reading week) |
| Registration date | Friday, 10 January 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £5,500 |
10 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 30 March 2020 - Friday, 5 June 2020 |
| Registration date | Friday, 27 March 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £2,750 |
5 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 4 May 2020 - Friday, 5 June 2020 |
| Registration date | Friday, 1 May 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £1,375 |
Summer programme details
Some of our master's courses have higher English language requirements, and you may be required to attend a longer Pre-sessional EAP course to achieve the required level for entry. We assess each application individually against the course requirements, please check the course page or you offer letter.
20 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 27 April 2020 - Friday, 18 September 2020 (including a reading week) |
| Registration date | Friday, 24 April 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £5,500 |
10 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 13 July 2020 - Friday, 18 September 2020 |
| Registration date | Friday, 10 July 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 5.5 (minimum 5.5 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £2,750 |
5 week course
| Course dates | Monday, 17 August 2020 - Friday, 18 September 2020 |
| Registration date | Friday, 14 August 2020 |
| Entry requirements | IELTS 6.0 (minimum 6.0 in all elements) |
| Course fee | £1,375 |
3 week course
for students who have already met the English language entry requirement
| Course dates | Monday, 31 August 2020 - Friday, 18 September 2020 |
| Registration date | Friday, 28 August 2020 |
| Entry requirements | For candidates that have already met the English requirement of their postgraduate course offer |
| Course fee | £825 |
How to apply
Please complete the Pre-sessional EAP application.
You will need to hold an offer for one of our postgraduate courses. To apply you will need to confirm the details of your course offer and your previous English language experience and any tests you have previously taken.
